The security check at the entrance of the Azurite Tower wasn’t particularly strict. Aside from the standard procedures—surrendering weapons

The security check at the entrance of the Azurite Tower wasn’t particularly strict. Aside from the standard procedures—surrendering weapons

The security check at the entrance of the Azurite Tower wasn’t particularly strict. Aside from the standard procedures—surrendering weapons and scanning IDs—Karl and his squad weren’t subjected to any additional scrutiny. In fact, the lightness of the inspection made them feel a bit out of place.

“This isn’t even as strict as when we were checking others back at Arasaka Tower, wearing those Spec-Ops uniforms,” Oliver muttered as he flexed his arms to get a feel for his range of motion in the suit. He stepped forward as the elevator in front of them opened.

The elevator, meant for guests, was spacious enough to accommodate the entire team. Yet the rest of the group didn’t immediately step in. They waited outside, watching Oliver.

He scanned the interior with his Kiroshi optics, checking for hidden surveillance or unwanted equipment. After ensuring everything looked clean, he gave a subtle nod. That was enough for the others to step inside.

Kurt Hansen, it seemed, was playing it straight—at least on the surface.

As Karl and the others entered, some other guests who had been about to use the elevator paused. None of them were in disguise, so it didn’t take long for onlookers to recognize them. With the whole KK Squad boarding a single lift, no sane person was eager to join them.

No matter—there were plenty of other elevators in the building. And this one, situated directly across from the hotel entrance, moved quickly. The waiting guests decided they could afford a short delay.

As the elevator rose, Karl checked his messages.

“Kenichi Hoya’s still en route. He says he’ll arrive before the scheduled time with Hansen—he should be here in about ten minutes.”

“Meeting’s at 8:30 sharp. It’s 8:07 now,” Jack chimed in. “So we’ve got twenty-three minutes to roam around and enjoy the party, huh?”

“There’ll probably be food and drinks,” Karl said. “If you want to try some, go for it—just don’t get drunk. If negotiations fall through and a fight breaks out, alcohol could mess with your reflexes. Jack, I know your implants can regulate that stuff, but still—stay sharp.”

Jack nodded. “Relax, Karl. I know the drill. Business comes first.”

When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, they were greeted by dazzling light.

Inside the Azurite Hotel, polished metal surfaces and glass walls reflected the light from every direction. Augmented by virtual projection tech, the space created a mesmerizing, almost psychedelic atmosphere—waves of color and movement like silk drifting through the air. Karl and his crew felt like they could reach out and catch the light.

“Damn. That’s flashy,” Oliver said after a few seconds, the best description he could muster.

“Dazzling,” Karl added, giving a slight nod of agreement.

Whatever else could be said about Hansen, the man clearly had taste. This place shattered any preconceptions they had of a militaristic brute. Whether it was Hansen’s doing or simply him making clever use of the hotel’s pre-existing design, the result was stunning—an artistic marvel, not some ex-soldier’s bunker.

“No wonder people say this hotel is Hansen’s pride and joy,” Jack muttered, stepping out first. “Look at this place. Of course it’s valuable to him.”

“I’ll go check the left wing,” Jack said. “Once Kenichi Hoya arrives, we’ll regroup. I just want to scout the surroundings.”

“I’ll take the right side. Want to identify potential exit routes in case shit goes south,” Oliver added, heading off.

Just as Karl was about to speak, V chimed in first. “I’ll stay here and assess the layout—escape routes, fallback positions. Karl, you handle the center. You’re better at working the crowd.”

“Sounds good.”

One to the left, one to the right, one securing the rear and scouting exits, and one infiltrating the heart of the banquet—solid distribution.

Their weapons had been left behind at security. Only Karl had managed to sneak in a small knife. If things turned ugly, they’d be at a disadvantage on Hansen’s turf. They might even need to protect Kenichi Hoya during an escape. Better to be prepared.

As his team split off, Karl stepped into the center of the party. Immediately, heads turned.

“It’s KK—it’s really KK!”

“Can’t believe Hansen invited him. Guy’s got pull. Think he brought him in for security?”

“I doubt it. Look at that suit. Not exactly combat gear. He must be a guest. But… a mercenary hanging out with Hansen? That’s weird. Doesn’t look like someone with an old war connection.”

“Who cares? This is Hansen’s show. He invited KK, he must have a reason. If something goes down, let Hansen deal with it. Just stay out of the blast radius. KK vs. the Hounds? Wonder if he can tear his way out.”

Ignoring the whispers, Karl spotted a familiar face in the crowd and headed over. On his way, he snagged a glass of champagne from a passing server and raised it in greeting.

“Mr. Johnson. What are you doing here tonight?”

The man turned at the sound of the familiar voice. His surprise was visible. “Karl? What the hell are you doing here?”

“Got hired for a job. What about you, Mr. Johnson?”

Karl eyed his suit. “Didn’t even recognize you at first.”

“Like I wanted to come,” Johnson muttered. “I’m deputy chief now. Someone from NCPD has to keep certain business connections alive—and some deals aren’t exactly the kind you conduct back in the city.”

“Bribes or gang transactions?”

“You already know. Why ask?”

“Fair enough.”

Karl figured it involved arms deals. NCPD couldn’t be seen doing business out in the open.

“Did you come alone, Mr. Johnson?”

“I may be deputy chief, but I still need protection.”

He nodded toward a corner. “Andy’s here too.”

“Then you’ll be fine if anything goes down.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

Karl followed his gesture and scanned the crowd—his gaze landed on Andy, who was talking to another familiar face.

“Andy. Brown.”

Karl waved to the pair from across the room.

So many familiar faces tonight.

–

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